What to Expect from EMDR Treatment
Written by: Molly Stanley
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, has become a popular therapeutic approach in recent years. EMDR is often discussed as a popular treatment for PTSD. However, this approach can be used effectively for other diagnoses including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, and general trauma that does not reach a clinical level of a PTSD diagnosis.
While it may not be a right fit for everyone, it has many empirical studies supporting its efficacy and is recognized as an effective treatment by the American Psychological Association, International Study for Traumatic Stress Studies, and The World Health Organization.
The primary theory for how EMDR works is based in the adaptive information processing system in our brains. When we adaptively process information, it is stored in our brain appropriately, and the information can be recalled with positive or neutral emotions and cognitions (Shapiro, 2018). When there is a traumatic or highly stressful event that occurs, the information from that event may not always be stored in our brain adaptively, which can lead to distress associated with similar stimuli or situations (Shapiro, 2018). EMDR utilizes dual attention stimuli, like eye movements or tapping, which has been shown through empirically peer-reviewed studies to allow for the maladaptively stored information to be stored adaptively (Shapiro, 2018).
This research and the clinical development of EMDR has led to the eight phase model of treatment. All of these phases will not be completed in one session. When working with a trained professional, they will guide clients through these following steps:
History Taking: During this phase, the clinician will obtain the client’s history to ensure readiness as well as choose the targets for desensitization (phase 4).
Preparation: This phase entails providing the client with more information about EMDR and confirm the targets for reprocessing. Resourcing is also done during this phase, which are techniques for nervous system regulation. These skills can be utilized at any time during EMDR if feelings become too strong.
Assessment: Assessment is where the memory network is activated, which occurs through the clinician asking more detailed questions regarding the traumatic memory. The clinician will ensure the client is ready to proceed to the next phase and any resourcing techniques may be used, as needed.
Desensitization: During the fourth phase, the memory that was picked during assessment will be processed through Dual Attention Stimulus (DAS), like butterfly tapping or eye movements. The clinician will guide the client through the DAS and continually check in with the client throughout this process.
Installation: Following desensitization, the clinician will work with the client to strengthen a positive belief in replacement of a negative belief that has been associated with the traumatic memory. DAS can also be used in this phase to aid in the process of strengthening the positive belief. An example of a negative cognition could be, “I will always be stuck,” and the positive belief that could be chosen to install at this phase may be, “I can make my own choices.”
Body Scan: This phase allows for further connection with the body to ensure that no traumatic material that was activated in phase 3 and 4 is still present. The body scan can help in identifying body sensations like muscle tension or stomach upset. Further processing can be completed if there is bodily upset.
Closure: Due to typically requiring multiple sessions to complete full reprocessing, this phase allows for ending the session. The clinician will provide any relevant information, review grounding techniques, and ensure stability moving forward.
Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the clinician will work with the client to determine if the previous targets have been fully processed and if there are other targets to reprocess.
While individualized for each person’s presenting concerns, EMDR follows this typical structure and will take multiple sessions. All of the therapists at Open Lines Counseling have been trained to provide EMDR treatment to individual clients. If you are a new client, please reach out through our contact page to schedule either an intake or consultation. If you are a current client, feel free to bring up interest in EMDR with your clinician to discuss including this modality in your treatment!
References
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.